Leave a legacy for life beyond armed conflict

It's so easy

It is so easy to remember the ICRC in your will. All you need is our name and address.

You can bequeath a specific sum of money or a percentage of your estate. Every gift, however large or small, makes a difference. Every gift will go directly to helping those enduring armed conflict. But if you would like your legacy to be used for a specific region or operation, please contact Marie-Jo Girod.

Writing your will

Your will enables you to leave part of your estate to a cause you believe in. It is important that you make a valid will, so please seek professional advice.

It is also important to remember that you can revoke or change your will at any time.

How to make a will

The requirements for a will vary widely from one country to another. In Switzerland, for instance, a signed, dated, handwritten document, stating the place of signature, constitutes a valid will.
In Switzerland there are two kinds of will you can make:

If you opt for a holographic will, you should be sure that the document will ensure your final wishes are respected.

You should always consult a professional, such as a notary public, lawyer, bank official or financial consultant, to make sure that your will says what you want it to and that it complies with the law, especially regarding the entitlements of family members.

How to include the ICRC in your will

Because the term "Red Cross" is open to a variety of interpretations, please make sure that you include your first name, last name, date of birth and address, as well as the name and address of the ICRC:

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), IDE: CHE-105.924.024
19 Avenue de la Paix
1202 Geneva
Switzerland

Please specify the kind of legacy gift you wish to leave. Indicate the place and date of signature and, finally, please make sure you sign your will.

It is entirely your choice what you leave in your will and depends on your personal circumstances but includes:
∎ A sum of money
∎ A percentage of your estate (e.g. 1%, 10%, or up to 100%, depending on your personal circumstances and domestic inheritance laws)
∎ Shares and other investments
∎ A specific item (e.g. a painting or piece of jewellery that you own)

If you would like the ICRC to receive all or part of your estate after the death of the original beneficiary (in other words, the ICRC would receive your gift only after the death of your husband/wife/son/daughter), you can specify this in your will. For more information, please contact Marie-Jo Girod. She will be happy to help.

Your questions answered

What will happen to my estate when I die?

If you don't leave a will, your estate will be settled in accordance with the law of your country. If you live in Switzerland, the entire estate will be shared between the legal heirs. If you have no heirs, your estate will be awarded to the canton or the municipality where you lived.

Not leaving a will means that your wishes won't be taken into account and your assets may not be divided up as you would have wanted. Furthermore, you will not be able to leave part or all of your estate to a charity that you believe in.

Will the ICRC have to pay inheritance tax?

In most countries, the ICRC is exempt from inheritance tax on legacies. However, it is a good idea to contact us first to make sure, or to seek professional advice.

Can I leave a gift in my will for a specific ICRC programme or country?

Yes, you can if you choose something that is already part of the ICRC's work. However, we do not accept donations or legacy gifts for a specific hospital, village, project or group of individuals, nor for a specific area of a conflict zone. As a general rule, we advise against restricting the use of legacy gifts to specific programmes or countries. That way, we can use funds to help those most in need immediately. In addition, the programme in question may no longer exist in the future.

Would a small gift in a will make any difference to the ICRC?

Yes. The act of giving is a meaningful gesture, whatever the amount involved. When you show your support for the ICRC, you are helping to improve the lives of victims of armed conflict and you are giving them a future beyond war.

Every gift is important to the people we help, however large or small. Every gift helps to save lives.

Should I inform the ICRC of my intentions?

That is entirely your choice. We would like to be able to thank you for your gift. But you might also like it to be used for a specific region of the world or a specific programme. If you would like to talk to us about this, we can help ensure your gift is used for the purpose you are most passionate about. Please contact Marie-Jo Girod, who will be happy to help.

Our promise to you

We understand that including a gift in your will is a personal matter that requires time and careful consideration. That is why we want you to know how much we appreciate this very special gesture and promise you that

∎ We will always understand that your own family, friends and loved ones come first in your will.

∎ We will not put pressure on you to include a gift to us in your will – it is your decision.

∎ We will never ask you how big or what type of gift you have chosen to make.

∎ We will always respect your privacy – you do not have to tell us your intentions. However, we would like to be able to thank you and to offer a way of having your generosity remembered by future generations.

∎ We fully understand that personal circumstances change and there might come a time when you have to remove the ICRC from your will.

∎ We promise to use your gift wisely.

∎ We will honour your wish if you would like your gift to be used in a special way.

We're here to help
If you would like to talk about anything to do with leaving a gift to the ICRC in your will, please get in touch. I will be very happy to help.

The ICRC responds quickly and efficiently to help people affected by armed conflict. We also respond to disasters in conflict zones, because the effects of a disaster are compounded if a country is already at war. Emergencies are unpredictable, so our rapid deployment capability is hugely important.

Click here for more information about our activities.